The Coega Development Corporation (Coega), today, hosted a National Environment Month Hike celebration at the Clay Quarry within the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The event brought together employees, stakeholders and Maths and Science Programme (MSP) learners to commemorate National Environment Month and raise awareness about environmental issues.
National Environment Month aims to educate the public about critical environmental concerns such as ozone layer depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, and species endangerment. In line with this objective, the Coega Environmental Month Hike 2024 was themed, “In their footsteps, stepping forward in nature and back in time,” with a focus on promoting awareness of local trail systems and encouraging outdoor exploration as well as an appreciation of the SEZ’s rich cultural and paleontological heritage.
The hike underscored Coega’s dedication to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9, 12, 13, 14, and 15, which emphasise economic growth, sustainable development, and environmental conservation. The SDGs serve as a global framework for fostering prosperity while safeguarding the planet. Coega’s approach to the SDGs involves categorizing them into three interconnected pillars – the Economic Pillar, Social Pillar, and Environmental Pillar – to highlight the intricate relationships between the goals and their outcomes.
Mr. Sisa Xabanisa, Coega Environmental Manager, shared insights about the purpose of this year’s environmental hike, stating: “The 2024 environmental hike merges physical activity with environmental education to inspire participants to make informed decisions that support conservation and sustainability. By fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world, we aim to encourage participants to become stewards of the environment.”
Through this hike, we sought to cultivate a deeper appreciation and respect for the natural world, encouraging participants to become stewards of the environment.
Participants had the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitats, learning about species behaviour and the Coega’s conservation efforts. They gained insights into the interconnectedness of species and habitats within the Coega SEZ.”
Coega maintains biodiversity conservation through the preparation and maintenance of an Open Space Management Plan for the Coega SEZ in respect of the mandatory requirements and legislative frameworks applicable to the area. The Clay Quarry trail boasts ecological and biological diversity, making it an ideal location for the hike.
Ms. Sylvia Graham, Coega’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Manager said: “The collaboration between Coega’s Sustainability Business Unit and the Coega Maths and Science Programme for the National Month Hike 2024 was driven by our commitment to the Scince, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Agenda. We aimed to provide the MSP learners with hands-on experience and exposure to practical applications, recognising the importance of extending learning beyond the classroom and incorporating physical activity.”
Coega’s approach to industrial development prioritises the natural environment and is a critical element to the attractiveness and value of investment locations. To this end, the sustainable development of land within the SEZ is central to Coega’s vision of championing socio-economic development through investment attraction and job creation. Coega subscribes to the SDGs as well as the to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, to cultivate the SEZ’s symbiotic existence with the natural environment and promote environmental stewardship.
One of the MSP learners, Usikelelwe Zozi (19) from Motherwell, expressed her heartful gratitude, said: “Through the Coega Maths and science Programme, we are not only taught about the Maths and Science at Coega , but we are exposed to several sectors at Coega Special Economic Zone, as well. This is important to me, as someone who is interested in studying Occupational Therapy in university, a science related field. I found this experience truly informative and wish to extend a heartfelt gratitude to Coega for prioritising us and valuing our growth.”
Coega’s Young Professional from Trade Facilitation Unit, Luyolo Nkomana, said: “As we celebrate the culmination of Youth Month and National Environment Month, I’m filled with gratitude towards Coega for their unwavering commitment to employee growth and engagement. Today’s hike was a remarkable success, pushing us beyond our comfort zones and into the stunning natural beauty of the SEZ. We gained valuable insights into the historical significance of various sites within the zone, making this a truly enriching experience.”
Coega remains committed to promoting environmental awareness, sustainability, and responsible stewardship of natural resources through initiatives like the National Environment Month Hike. The organisation continues to champion initiatives that align with its mission of driving economic growth while preserving the environment for future generations.
“Coega’s Sustainability Business Unit is dedicated to promoting a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility, aligning with the organisation’s values and vision. By supporting green practices and social programmes, Coega strives to make a positive impact on the environment and society, ultimately contributing to socio-economic development, “concluded Mr. Xabanisa.
